Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: Costa Rica vs. Montenegro

If you’re looking to experience the digital nomad lifestyle in a new country, Costa Rica and Montenegro offer attractive visa programs for remote workers. But before you book your flight, you should be aware of the requirements and conditions of each visa program to ensure a smooth transition into your new work-life balance.

Costa Rica

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is famous for its lush forests, friendly Tico culture, and stunning beaches. The country offers a specialized visa program for digital nomads called Estancia para Trabajador y Prestador Remoto de Servicios.

Digital Nomad Visa Program

Other Conditions or Requirements

• A medical services policy that covers the applicant for the entire duration of his/her stay in the country is required. Likewise, all members of the family group must be covered, if the applicant chooses to request their inclusion as beneficiaries.
• A guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of illness in Costa Rica for at least US $50,000.00 (fifty thousand dollars of the United States of America) whose term of validity covers the period of stay in the country.
• Immigration will check whether this person has criminal records through the databases it has access to.
• May not work for a Costa Rican employer or contractor.
• Request form, receipt of payment of fees, image of the passport page showing the person’s photograph and bio information, as well as the stamp showing entry into Costa Rica (if the person is already in Costa Rica), depending on the person’s nationality, consular visa or restricted visa, bank statements, and affidavit to prove income is required.

Montenegro

Located in south-eastern Europe, Montenegro is a small country filled with medieval architecture, mountain ranges, and pristine beaches. Digital nomads can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit under the Foreigners’ Act, enabling them to work remotely while enjoying all that Montenegro has to offer.

Digital Nomad Visa Program

Other Conditions or Requirements

• Proof of purpose of stay, proof of payment of consular fee, valid medical insurance, applicant is required to have a proof of accommodation.
• The applicants are required to have a clean criminal record. Submission of police clearance or non-conviction proof from native country is a requirement for the applicant.
• As per the Personal Income Tax, a foreigner with temporary residence earning as a freelancer serving abroad and earning in Montenegro above three times of average gross salary in the country is exempt from paying personal income tax in Montenegro.
• The applicant must reside in Montenegro in accordance with the basis for which he was granted temporary residence (digital nomad). A digital nomad cannot work on another basis (e.g. local employment).
• Passport or travel document with validity 3 months more than visa’s validity is required.
• Income earned in the previous year by the applicant is required to be equivalent to at least three minimum wages monthly (EUR1,350).

Conclusion

Both Costa Rica and Montenegro offer attractive options for digital nomads looking to experience working remotely in a new country. However, it’s important to be aware of each country’s requirements and conditions of their visa program before making the move. While Costa Rica offers a tax exemption on income for digital nomads, Montenegro has a lower income requirement and a lengthier visa duration. Remember to consider important factors such as cost of living, language, healthcare, and climate when making your decision to ensure a successful transition into your new remote work lifestyle.